Genus: Laurus

Common Names: bay laurel, sweet bay, Greek bay, bay leaf tree, true laurel, bay tree, etc.

A genus of only three currently accepted species of aromatic, evergreen trees. Of these, Laurus nobilis is the only species common in cultivation and has been used since ancient times as a culinary and medicinal herb. Ancient Greeks and Romans famously wove small branches into wreaths and crowns as a symbol of victory.

Distribution: the Meditteranean Basin (with L. azorica endemic to the Azores Islands and L. novocanariensis endemic to the Canary Islands and Madeira).

Laurus nobilis

Description: evergreen tree; a common form of the Mediterranean bay with glossy, dark green leaves. Grows at a moderate speed and can be trimmed or pruned any way seen fit. Adapts well to clay soils and shady conditions though performs best in light soil and full sun. Leaves aromatic when bruised and most potent when fresh.

Height: to 30 ft. Spread: to 10 ft.

Laurus nobilis 'Aureus'

Description: evergreen tree; a selection with bright gold leaves on new growth in spring and fall that fades to green by winter and summer. Grows to 30 ft. left alone, but can be trimmed or pruned any way seen fit. Adapts well to clay soils and shady conditions though performs best in light soil and full sun. Leaves aromatic when bruised and most potent when fresh.

Height: to 30 ft. Spread: to 10 ft.

Laurus nobilis 'Crestwood'

Description: evergreen tree; a selection with very large, rounded leaves. Grows to 20 ft. left alone, but can be trimmed or pruned any way seen fit. Adapts well to clay soils and shady conditions though performs best in light soil and full sun. Leaves aromatic when bruised and most potent when fresh.

Height: to 20 ft. Spread: to 10 ft.

Laurus nobilis 'Crispa' 

Description: evergreen tree; a selection with undulated leaf margins. Grows to around 20 ft. at a moderate speed and can be trimmed or pruned any way seen fit. Adapts well to clay soils and shady conditions though performs best in light soil and full sun. Leaves aromatic when bruised and most potent when fresh. A good choice for containers.

Height: to 20 ft. Spread: to 10 ft.

Laurus nobilis 'Saso's Dwarf'

Description: evergreen tree; a somewhat rare selection introduced by Saso Herb Farm of Saratoga, CA. Very compact growth with especially dark green leaves. Grows to around 20 ft. at a moderate speed and can be trimmed or pruned any way seen fit; a perfect cultivar for dense hedges or containers. Adapts well to clay soils and shady conditions though performs best in light soil and full sun. Leaves aromatic when bruised and most potent when fresh.

Height: to 20 ft. Spread: to 8 ft.

Laurus nobilis 'Starbright'

Description: evergreen tree; a selection made by Mike Remmick of McMinnville, OR and introduced by Cistus Design Nursery. Very upright growth with reddish stems and attractive fluted leaves. Grows to 25 ft. at a moderate speed and can be trimmed or pruned any way seen fit. Adapts well to clay soils and shady conditions though performs best in light soil and full sun. Leaves aromatic when bruised and most potent when fresh.

Height: to 25 ft. Spread: to 10 ft.

Laurus nobilis 'Sunspot'

Description: evergreen tree; a selection from Cotswold Garden Flowers with splashed variegated leaves. Occasionally branches will revert to green and can be either removed or left as is. Grows to 25 ft. relatively quickly but can be trimmed or pruned any way seen fit. Adapts well to shady conditions though performs best in partial to full sun. Leaves aromatic when bruised and most potent when fresh.

Height: to 30 ft. Spread: to 10 ft.

Laurus nobilis f. angustifolia

Description: evergreen tree; a form with very narrow leaves reported to be hardier than othern forms. Grows to 25 ft. relatively quickly but can be trimmed or pruned any way seen fit. Adapts well to clay and shady conditions though performs best in light soil and full sun. Leaves aromatic when bruised and most potent when fresh.

Height: to 25 ft. Spread: to 10 ft.